Network-based grocery store

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a method and system for a network-based grocery store. The invention provides for network-based order placement, fulfillment, and delivery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/347,950, entitled “Network-Based Grocery Store,” bySimon Foster, dated Oct. 25, 2001, the contents of which are herebyincorporated in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a network-basedpurchasing system and to an order fulfillment system. More specifically,the present invention relates to an Internet-based system and processfor placing and receiving orders for grocery items and to a system forfilling the orders and efficiently delivering the orders to customers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Purchase of grocery items over a computer network, such as theInternet, is known in the art. However, the selling of grocery itemsonline presents special logistical problems that often do not pertain toother forms of Internet commerce. These special logistical problemstypically revolve around the need for rapid delivery of ordered itemsand the handling of the mixed variety of goods which are included in agrocery order, including such items as perishable goods, refrigeratedgoods, and frozen goods.

[0004] Customers of an online grocery store typically demand rapiddelivery of their orders or delivery within a small time window forconvenience. In many cases, delivery is often required within a day fromplacement of the order. In order to minimize the cost of delivery, yetstill satisfy a customer's demand for prompt delivery, the orderfulfillment process for these online grocery systems must besignificantly more rapid than most E-commerce applications. However,delivery times for many online grocery systems are often limited bytheir order fulfillment systems and methods. Many of these systems andmethods are incapable of satisfying orders within a short period oftime. Gathering orders often comprise a major portion of the timeexpended filling an order. In many of the current systems, orders arefilled linearly with each order being filled prior to moving or to thenext order. These systems and methods are not optimal in a situationwhere a large number of orders must be filled within a short period oftime.

[0005] Another problem faced by current online grocery systems stemsfrom the often mixed bag of goods which typically comprise a groceryorder. These orders typically include dry goods, perishable items, itemsthat require refrigeration or freezing, and assorted other goods whichmay require different gathering or handling techniques. The gatheringand delivery of such a mixed bag of items pose a significant logisticalproblem for most internet-based grocery systems.

[0006] The physical delivery of groceries to the customers also oftenprovide additional sources of delay. Delivery areas and routes may varydepending on the particular orders for a given day. The delivery routethat a delivery person uses can often significantly affect the deliverytime for orders.

[0007] As such, there is need for an improved network-based grocerystore, which will provide efficient ordering and delivery a groceryitems. There is a need in the art for a system and process forefficiently and economically filling orders received over the network.There if a further need for a system and process that allows orders tobe delivered rapidly and within a narrow time window to satisfy customerdemands.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method offulfilling a network-based product order. The method includes providingproduct subgroups, each product subgroup having a distinct productsubgroup area, separating the network-based product order into subgrouporders based on the product subgroups, and retrieving ordered productsfrom each product subgroup area in an independent parallel fashion.

[0009] The present invention, in another embodiment, is a method ofretrieving ordered products for a network-based product order. Themethod includes providing an order label listing the ordered productsand scanning the order label. The method also includes providing aplurality of actuable indicators, each indicator being associated with aproduct, and actuating the indicators associated with the orderedproducts based on the scanning of the order label. In addition, themethod includes locating and retrieving each of the ordered products,placing the ordered products into a carrier, and transporting thecarrier to a delivery area.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the present invention is a method ofretrieving ordered products for a network-based product order. Themethod includes providing a list of the ordered products, retrieving oneof the ordered products, and scanning an area of the one of the orderedproducts. Further, the method includes providing a plurality of actuableindicators, each indicator being associated with a carrier for a singleorder, and actuating the indicator associated with the carrier for thesingle order requiring the one of the ordered products. In addition, themethod includes placing the one of the ordered products into the carrierfor the single order requiring the one of the ordered products, andtransporting the carrier to a delivery area.

[0011] The present invention, in an additional embodiment, is a methodof fulfilling network-based product orders and delivering orderedproducts. The method includes creating an order summary based on allreceived orders, and separating the order summary into subgroup ordersbased on product subgroups. Further, the method includes retrievingproducts from each of the product subgroups in an independent parallelfashion, combining the products into delivery packages based on thereceived orders, and delivering the delivery packages.

[0012] The present invention, in another embodiment, is a fulfillmenthub for fulfilling a network-based product order. The fulfillment hubhas at least two subgroup areas, each subgroup area designated for aparticular type of product, and a delivery area positioned to facilitatetransportation of products between the delivery area and the at leasttwo subgroup areas.

[0013] The present invention, in a further embodiment, is anetwork-based grocery store process for receiving, filling, anddelivering grocery items, the items located in a plurality of predefinedgathering sites. The process includes grouping items in an order basedon their respective gathering site, concurrently gathering items in anorder at their respective gathering site, and reassembling the order ata distribution point.

[0014] A further embodiment of the present invention is a method ofsupplying grocery items over a computer network. The method includesproviding a website in communication over the computer network with anorder receiving interface. Further, the method includes placing eachorder into at least one subgroup, gathering items in each subgroup inparallel, reassembling the items gathered for each subgroup of an orderto form a complete order, and delivering the order.

[0015] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodimentsof the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a method of operating a network-basedgrocery store, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of hardware components of anetwork-based grocery store, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0018]FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of hardware components of an orderprocessing system, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of hardware components of an orderfulfillment system, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of order placement, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of order fulfillment,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of order analysis, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of route planning, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of wave planning, accordingto one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a fulfillment hub, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method of product retrieval,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of another method of product retrieval,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a cooler zone in a cold goodsarea, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of a freezer zone and sub-freezerzone in a cold goods area, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0030]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a shelving system in a coldgoods area, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of retrieving cold goodsproducts, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a retrieval cart, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method of retrieving dry goods,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a retrieval cart, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a method of retrieving bulk goods,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a method of delivery, according toone embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037]FIG. 1 shows the steps involved in one embodiment of anetwork-based grocery store of the present invention. Generally, theinvention includes order placement (block 10) by a customer on anetwork, order fulfillment (block 12) of the ordered products in anefficient manner, and timely delivery (block 14) of the ordered productsto the customer. The system provides an economical and efficient methodof providing products to a customer without requiring the customer to goto a store. The system also provides a method for the provider ofproducts to more economically and efficiently fulfill customer orders.The present invention also encompasses any system that can be used as anetwork-based store to satisfy any commercial needs of a consumer.

[0038] The present invention is a network-based system for ordering,fulfilling, and delivering products. In one aspect of the invention, thesystem is Internet-based. FIG. 2A shows the architecture of anInternet-based system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The system includes a server 16 in communication with acustomer interface 18 over the Internet 22. According to one embodiment,the customer interface 18 is a website hosted by a plurality of webservers 20. The server 16 includes application servers 24 that includeapplication software 26, databases 28, and controllers 30. Thecontrollers 30 are connected to external devices such as scanners 32 orradio frequency (“RF”) guns 34.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the network-based system of thepresent invention may include an order processing system 21 and an orderfulfillment system 23. FIG. 2B shows an order processing systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. Applicationservers 24 communicate with a customer interface 18 over web servers 20.The application servers 24 are also in communication with databases 28.

[0040]FIG. 2C shows an order fulfillment system 23 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. Application servers 24 communicatewith databases 28 and controllers 30. The controllers 30 drive scanningsystems 31, RF guns 34, and product retrieval systems 33. The productretrieval systems 33 may be any known system designed for efficient andeconomic retrieval of products in a warehouse environment.

[0041] In operation, order placement 10 can be performed by a customerat the customer interface 18. For instance, in one embodiment of thepresent invention, the customer places the order through his/herpersonal computer by accessing the customer interface at a specifiedwebsite. Product selection and availability information is provided tothe customer interface 18 from the databases 28 and application servers24. Once a customer places an order at the interface 18, the order istransmitted to the server 16 via the Internet 22. Alternatively, theorder can be transmitted to the server 16 over any computer network. Theapplication servers 24, with the assistance of the application software26, the databases 28, the controllers 30, and such external devices asscanners 32 and RF guns 34, use the order information to fulfill theorder 12 and deliver 14 the ordered products to the customer.

[0042] A customer uses the customer interface 18 to place an order for aproduct or products desired by the customer. FIG. 3 shows a method oforder placement 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.To place an order, a customer interfaces with the system (block 50). Inone embodiment similar to that depicted in FIG. 2, the customer uses acomputer to interface with the system (block 50) at a website.Alternatively, the customer interfaces with the system (block 50) usingany known network. At the interface 18, the customer selects a product(block 52).

[0043] The customer can select products (block 52) in at least threedifferent ways. In one embodiment, product selection (block 52) involvesthe customer selecting an appropriate category (block 54) and thenselecting the desired product (block 56). The system of the presentinvention provides a variety of product categories for the customer'sselection similar to the categories found in a typical brick-and-mortargrocery store. Such categories include produce, frozen goods, dairy, andother similar categories. Based on the desired product, the customerselects the appropriate category (block 54). The category selection(block 54) prompts the system of the present invention to provide a listof products available in that category. The customer then selects adesired product or products (block 56) from that category list.

[0044] Alternatively, product selection (block 52) involves selecting adesired meal plan (block 58). The present invention providespredetermined meal plans consisting of all the ingredients necessary toprepare a desired meal. As an example, a desired meal may consist of aribeye steak, a baked potato, and mixed vegetables. The predeterminedmeal plan would provide all the necessary grocery products to create thedesired meal, including the steak, potatoes, mixed vegetables, and anyother ingredients necessary for preparation of the meal. Upon selectionof the desired meal plan (block 58) by the customer, the desiredproducts required to prepare the meal are automatically selected (block60) by the system of the present invention. The meal plan feature of thepresent invention provides a fast and easy way for a customer to orderall the ingredients for a desired meal without having to select eachproduct separately.

[0045] In a further aspect of the present invention, product selection(block 52) involves selecting products from one of several predefinedlists of products. The predefined list may be preprogrammed withproducts by the customer for repeated use. Alternatively, the predefinedlist may include products previously ordered by the customer. Inoperation, the customer first selects a predefined list (block 62). Thecustomer then selects the desired product or products (block 64) fromthe list.

[0046] Also, the customer may be provided with all three methods ofproduct selection, wherein the customer may use one or more of themethods to select products.

[0047] After product selection (blocks 52, 56, 60, or 64), a list of theselected products according to one embodiment are placed in a virtualshopping cart (block 66) by the system of the present invention.Further, the cost of the selected product is added to the total amountowed (block 68) for the customer's entire order. The total amount owedcan be displayed in the virtual shopping cart. The virtual shopping cartcan be accessed via the customer interface 18 and provides summary orderinformation such as a summary of selected products and a total amountowed based on the cost of the selected products.

[0048] The customer can select further products (block 70). That is, thesystem of the present invention allows the customer to select furtherproducts (block 70) via the customer interface 18 using the methodsdescribed above. Once product selection (blocks 52, 70) is complete, thecustomer can review the selections and the total cost in the virtualshopping cart (block 72) and confirm the order prior to thepredetermined deadline (block 74). In one embodiment, the customerconfirms the order by selecting the “Check Out” button on the virtualshopping cart, triggering the system of the present invention totransfer the order from the virtual shopping cart for processing.

[0049] In one aspect of the present invention, the system establishes aperiodic deadline for submitting an order to ensure delivery at ascheduled delivery time. Having a predetermined deadline allows thesystem to process and analyze each order and provide for efficient andeconomical fulfillment and delivery of each order. The deadline fordelivery on a following day is 11:00 p.m. Alternatively, the deadline isany time established as the appropriate cut-off for receiving orders ina manner that allows the system to successfully fulfill and deliver theorder in a feasible manner mutually beneficial for the customer and thesystem of the present invention.

[0050] In one embodiment, the customer can also perform deliveryplanning, including selection of a delivery time (block 75). Byallotting discrete delivery times to each customer, the system of thepresent invention can enhance the efficiency, economy, and accommodationof the delivery of products to the customer. Before exiting, thecustomer can make payment (block 76) for the entire order. Payment ismade by credit card. Alternatively, payment is made by any known methodfor paying for products purchased via a network-based store. Aftermaking payment (block 76), the customer exits the customer interface(block 78).

[0051] In a further embodiment, the customer interface also providesadditional services such as meal planning and customer enrollment byknown methods.

[0052] After the customer has placed an order, the system of the presentinvention provides for fulfilling that order in an efficient andeconomical manner. FIG. 4 shows a method of order fulfillment 10according to one embodiment of the present invention. To fulfill anorder placed by a customer, there may be an order analysis (block 100)by the system. Once all orders for an ordering period have beenanalyzed, route planning (block 102) and wave planning (block 104) stepsmay be performed to anticipate the delivery and capacity limitationsthat determine the timing and other requirements for the productretrieval (block 106) step. Alternatively, the order analysis (block100) and route and wave planning steps (blocks 102, 104) may be combinedor performed in any order to assure that the system has the capacity andcapabilities to fulfill every order. Product retrieval (block 106) is amethod of assimilating the product or products ordered by the customer.

[0053] Once an order is received by the system of the present invention,the order may be analyzed before the products requested in the order areretrieved. FIG. 5 shows a method of order analysis 100 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. After the order is accepted (block108) by the system, all orders for future delivery (e.g., for deliveryon a particular day or at a particular time) are compiled and listed(block 110). Once compiled into a list, the orders may be examined foridentification and correction of errors (block 112). In one aspect ofthe invention, an error is related to unusual or erroneous deliverydates. Alternatively, the errors may be related to duplicate orders. Ifit is further determined that a customer has submitted more than oneorder, the multiple orders may be combined (block 114).

[0054] Once all error corrections (block 112) and multiple ordercombinations (block 114) have been completed, one embodiment of thepresent invention calls for confirming the order deadline (block 116)and confirming the pre-deadline orders (block 118). By order deadlineconfirmation (block 116) and pre-deadline order confirmation (block118), the system of the present invention distinguishes orders thatqualify for delivery the next day from orders that do not and separatesthe orders. Qualifying orders are considered in identifying inventorydemand (block 120) and creating a shopping list (block 124), whileorders that were not submitted prior to the deadline are not. In oneembodiment, the non-qualifying orders become qualifying orders duringthe next appropriate period and are fulfilled and delivered during thatperiod. Alternatively, the non-qualifying orders are saved forfulfillment and delivery in a later period. As discussed above, thesystem of the present invention identifies inventory demand (block 120)based on order requests to be fulfilled in the following deliveryperiod. Once the demand is identified, the inventory demand data is sentto the vendors (block 122). According to one embodiment, the vendors usethe data to supply further inventory, thus ensuring that the system hasa sufficient supply of products to satisfy the customer demand andfulfill all future orders. After confirmation, an order summary iscreated (block 124) and all deliveries for the next day are identified(block 126) as necessary steps in preparation for fulfillment.

[0055] During order fulfillment, the system of the present inventionalso provides for planning delivery routes. FIG. 6 shows a method ofroute planning 102 according to one embodiment of the present invention.By anticipating and planning for the delivery routes that will be neededto deliver every order during the delivery period, the system determinesthe requirements for fulfillment. After an order summary is printed out(block 150) for review and delivery vehicle availability (block 152) andwave size (block 154) are considered, the routes and waves aredetermined (block 156). A wave is a pre-planned time period whereingathering of items for a pre-planned number of orders is undertaken. Awave is determined based on requested delivery times and fulfillmentcapacity. By determining the waves necessary to fulfill the orders andthe availability of delivery vehicles, the delivery routes can beestablished. Using the route information, a delivery vehicle schedule isprepared (block 158) and a delivery vehicle dispatcher is informed ofthe schedule (block 160).

[0056] Wave planning is another aspect of order fulfillment. FIG. 7shows a method of wave planning block 104 for order fulfillment 12according to one embodiment of the present invention. After compilingthe order data (block 170), the orders are broken into subgroup orders(block 172). Subgroup orders are based on product subgroups, which aredetermined based on product type. In one aspect of the presentinvention, subgroups include cold goods, produce, dry goods, bulk goods,and miscellaneous goods. The products are divided up into subgroups inthe present invention because product fulfillment can be completed moreeconomically and efficiently when the products are located in differentareas based on subgroups during the fulfillment process. Cold goodsinclude products requiring freezing or refrigeration. Dry goods arenon-cold, non-produce goods such as bakery items, packaged goods,beverages, infant care products, and household goods. Bulk goods aregenerally larger quantities or sizes of dry goods (e.g., 24-packs ofsoda cans, bags of dog food, etc.).

[0057] Based on the subgroups defined above, the requested products fromall qualifying orders are broken into subgroup orders (block 172) thatinclude cold goods orders (block 174), produce orders (block 176), drygoods orders (block 178), bulk goods orders (block 180), andmiscellaneous goods orders (block 182). Once the subgroup orders aredetermined, order labels based on subgroups are created (block 184)based on the product quantities in the subgroup orders and then printed(block 188). The system of the present invention uses the order labelsto provide for efficient product retrieval and track productfulfillment.

[0058] The system of the present invention includes a fulfillment hubdesigned to allow for efficient product fulfillment. FIG. 8 depicts afulfillment hub 200 according to one aspect of the present invention. Afulfillment hub 200, or warehouse facility, provides subgroup areaorganization that enhances the efficiency and economy of the system ofthe present invention. Each subgroup area is a separate area providingfor separate product retrieval independent of product retrieval in eachof the other subgroup areas. In one embodiment, the hub 200 includes adelivery area 212 from which all orders are subsequently delivered tothe customer. The products are collected from one or more of severalsubgroup areas prior to transport to the delivery area 212. The subgroupareas include the cold goods area 202, the produce area 204, the drygoods area 206, the bulk goods area 208, and the miscellaneous goodsarea 210. Totes are prepared in the tote preparation area 214 andtransported from the prep area 214 to the appropriate subgroup area.Alternative embodiments of the hub 200 may include additional subgroupareas depending on the products being marketed. For example, there maybe a separate freezer goods area for freezer goods. The hub 200 providesa spatial organization conducive to generally parallel product retrievalas described below.

[0059] After an order has been received, analyzed, and routes and waveshave been planned, the ordered products must be retrieved. FIG. 9 showsan organized and efficient method of product retrieval 106 according toone embodiment of the present invention. Product retrieval 106 can beperformed in a generally parallel fashion in a hub 200 similar to thatdepicted in FIG. 8. That is, products are retrieved from varioussubgroup areas during the same general time period or in a fashion suchthat retrieval of products at one subgroup area is independent ofretrieval of products at other subgroup areas. This parallel retrievalpromotes efficiency and speed. To perform product retrieval 106 inparallel, all order labels are first transmitted to appropriate subgroupareas (block 220). Alternatively, orders are divided into lists ofsubgroup products and sent to the designated subgroup areas forretrieval by any method allowing for separation by subgroup products andefficient transfer of that information to the appropriate areas.Parallel retrieval includes retrieving cold goods products (block 222),produce products (block 224), dry goods products (block 226), bulk goodsproducts (block 228), and miscellaneous products (block 230) atgenerally the same time or in a fashion independent of each other.During retrieval, the retrieved products are placed in a transportdevice (block 232) and transported to the delivery area (block 234). Inone aspect of the invention, the retrieved products are placed in a totewhich is transported to the subgroup area from the tote preparation area214. The retrieved products may also be placed in a cart. Alternatively,the retrieved products are placed in any known transport device capableof moving products in a warehouse setting.

[0060] Each subgroup can have the same or different retrieval proceduresin the system of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a productretrieval method 106 for one subgroup according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Product retrieval 106 from one subgroup of productsincludes placing an order label on a tote (block 250) and transportingthe tote from the tote preparation area to the appropriate subgroup area(block 252). Alternatively, any known transport device for transportingproducts in a warehouse setting may be used. In a further aspect of theinvention, the label may be placed on the tote at the subgroup area. Atthe subgroup area, the ordered products are retrieved and placed in thetote (block 254). Notification is provided to the system that theproduct is in the tote (block 256). In one aspect of the presentinvention, notification is provided to the system by scanning the itemusing a bar code scanner 32 connected to the system of the presentinvention. In one aspect of the invention, the bar code scanner 32 is acordless bar code scanner using linear imaging technology. For example,the scanner may be the 3870 Welch Allyn™ cordless scanner. The scanneris used to read the bar code on the order label that may be attached tothe tote. Alternatively, the system is notified that the ordered productis in the tote (block 256) by any other known method for inputtinginformation into a network system. In some embodiments, known computersystems may be integrated into the system of the present invention forproduct retrieval. For example, some embodiments include Pick to LightSystems™ by Professional Control Corp.™. When all the products have beenretrieved from the appropriate subgroup area, the tote is transported tothe delivery area (block 258).

[0061] Like the retrieval methods, the subgroup areas of the system ofthe present invention can be identical or differ based on thelimitations and needs associated with the subgroup products. Onesubgroup area according to one aspect of the present invention is a coldgoods area 202 as depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B, which is divided intothree zones: a cooler zone 271, a freezer zone 298, and a sub-freezerzone 299. Alternatively, the cold goods area can consist of a singlezone, any variation of the three zones, or four or more zones, eachconfigured to provide an appropriate environment for the productscontained in the zone.

[0062]FIG. 11A shows a first level of a three-level cooler zone 271according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cooler zone271 is designed to hold products that must be maintained in a cold, butnot frozen, environment. Such products may include milk, orange juice,etc. In one embodiment, the cooler zone 271 is maintained at 34°Fahrenheit. Alternatively, the cooler zone 271 may be maintained at anytemperature above freezing that allows products to remain cold.

[0063] The cooler zone 271 may have any number of subzones 270 and bays272. In FIG. 11A, the zone 271 is depicted as having ten subzones 270,each subzone containing four bays 272. Alternatively, the cooler zone271 can have anywhere from one subzone 270 to a substantially greaternumber of subzones 270, with each subzone 270 containing from one toseveral bays 272. In a further alternative, the cooler zone 271 can haveone or more levels.

[0064] The cooler zone 271 depicted in FIG. 11A has three conveyor beltsto transport the totes. One conveyor belt 274 transports totes from thefirst level to a second level of the cooler zone 271. A second conveyorbelt 276 transports totes from the second level to the first level. Athird conveyor belt 278 transports totes containing ordered products tothe delivery area 212. According to one aspect of the invention,additional conveyor belts transport totes from the second level to thethird level and vice versa. Alternatively, if the cooler zone 271 hasmore than three levels, there are additional conveyor belts to transporttotes between each level and to the delivery area 212. While theembodiment depicted in FIG. 11 is intended as a cooler zone 271 in acold goods area 202, it should be understood that further embodiments ofthe zone 271 could be used to store and retrieve any type of products.

[0065]FIG. 11B shows a freezer zone 298 and a sub-freezer zone 299 of acold goods area 202 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The freezer zone 298 maintains a temperature below freezingfor products that must remain frozen. In one aspect of the invention,the freezer zone maintains a temperature of 0° Fahrenheit. Thesub-freezer zone 299 maintains a temperature colder than the freezerzone 298 for any products that require such a temperatures. Suchproducts may include those that must be cold enough to remain frozen fora significant period of time after removal from the sub-freezer zone299, such as ice cream. In one embodiment, the sub-freezer zone 299maintains a temperature of minus 15° Fahrenheit.

[0066] The freezer zone 298 and the sub-freezer zone 299 each has anynumber of bays 272. In an alternative embodiment, either or both zones298, 299 have any number of subzones 270 containing any number of bays272. In a further aspect of the invention, the freezer zone 298 and thesub-freezer zone 299 can have more than one level.

[0067] A conveyor belt 296 depicted in FIG. 1B transports totes into,through, and out of the freezer zone 298 and the sub-freezer zone 299 inone embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, the system ofthe present invention may provide for more than one conveyor belt in thefreezer zone 298 or the sub-freezer zone 299. The conveyor belt bringsempty totes from the tote preparation area 214. Alternatively, the totesare transported to the cold goods area 202 by any known method oftransporting carrier devices in a warehouse setting. In the freezer zone298, the conveyor belt 296 travels past every bay 272 to ensure thateach tote on the belt is accessible from every bay 272. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 11B, there are bays 272 lining oppositewalls of the freezer zone 298. The conveyor belt 296 travels betweenboth rows of bays 272. The belt 296 passes next to the bays 272 on onewall, turns around at the opposite end, and passes next to the bays 272on the opposite wall before exiting the freezer zone 298. Alternatively,the conveyor belt 296 can travel through the freezer zone in any fashionthat provides accessibility to the totes from every bay 272.

[0068] The conveyor belt 296 also passes next to the bays 272 in thesub-freezer zone 299, according to one embodiment of the invention. Aswith the freezer zone 298, the system requires that the conveyor belt296 pass next to the bays 272 in the sub-freezer zone 299 in a mannerproviding easy access to the totes on the conveyor belt 296 from thebays 272. The conveyor belt 296 then enters the third level of thecooler zone 271. Alternatively, the conveyor belt exits the cold goodsarea 202 and transports the totes to another subgroup area or thedelivery area 212. In a further alternative, the totes are removed fromthe conveyor belt 296 for transport to another area.

[0069]FIG. 12 shows a shelving system 290 for use in a cold goods areabay 272 in the cooler zone 271, the freezer zone 298, or the sub-freezerzone 299 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Theshelving system 290 has several shelves 292 stacked vertically.Alternatively, the shelving system 290 in the bay 272 is comprised ofmore than two shelves 292 stacked vertically on top of each other. Thebay 272 has shelves 292 on two sides of the bay 272 for easy retrievalof products. Alternatively, the bay may have shelves on one or more thantwo sides of the bay 272. In a further aspect of the present invention,the bays 272 have any other common device for storing products. Theshelving system 290 includes a plurality of identification buttons 294positioned with respect to the products for retrieval. That is, eachproduct has a designated area on a particular shelf 292 and acorresponding identification button 294 in close proximity with thedesignated area. In one embodiment, the shelving system 290 also has aplurality of displays 295, one display 295 associated withidentification button 294.

[0070] The cold goods area is designed to enhance the efficiency andeconomy of cold goods retrieval. FIG. 13 shows a method of retrievingcold goods products 222 from a cold goods area 202 (such as depicted inFIGS. 11A and 11B) according to one embodiment of the present invention.To determine which products must be retrieved for an order, the orderlabel is scanned (block 300). According to one embodiment, the orderlabels are first attached to a tote which is transported to the coldgoods area by a forklift from the tote preparation area 214. In afurther embodiment, the totes are transported from the tote preparationarea 214 to the cold goods area 202 by a conveyor belt. Alternatively, atote is transported manually or by any other known method fortransporting a carrier device in a warehouse setting from the totepreparation area 214 or from any of the other subgroup areas.

[0071] Upon scanning the order label (block 300), the system recognizesthe ordered products to be retrieved and identifies those products inthe bay with identification buttons 294. That is, the system of thepresent invention causes identification buttons 294 in the appropriatebay or bays 272 to light up for each product ordered (block 302).Alternatively, the ordered products can be identified using any knownindicator that can be actuated to draw attention to a location. Uponidentification of the ordered products with the identification buttons294, the system allows for each ordered product to be pulled from theshelf 292 with the lit identification button (block 304). In oneembodiment, the display 295 provides the required number of the orderedproduct when the order calls for more than one units of the sameproduct. The system of the present invention therefore provides forpulling the appropriate number of units of one product from the shelf292 based on the number of units shown on the display 295. Upon pullingthe product, the identification button 294 is pushed to shut the lightoff and to indicate that the ordered product has been pulled from theshelf 292 and placed in the tote (block 308). The tote containing theretrieved products is conveyed, according to one embodiment, to anyadditional level or zone to retrieve more products as necessary (block310). Alternatively, if the order has already been filled, the tote neednot be conveyed to any additional level or zone. Finally, the tote isplaced on the conveyor for transport to the delivery area (block 312)when every product in the subgroup order has been retrieved.Alternatively, the tote is transported to another subgroup area. Itshould be understood that further embodiments of this method could beused to retrieve any type of products.

[0072] Dry goods can be retrieved in a manner different from other typesof products. FIG. 14 shows a cart 320 for retrieving dry goods accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. The cart 320 includes spacefor six totes 322 to be placed within the cart 320. Alternatively, thecart 320 can be sized to hold more or less totes 322. The cart 320 alsoprovides a space 324 for a computer 326 and scanning equipment (notshown) that are integrally coupled with the computer system of thepresent invention. It should be understood that the space 324 can belocated in any accessible area on the cart 320 that does not interferewith the totes 322 or the adding or removal of products from those totes322. Four wheels 328 are attached to the bottom of the cart 320 tofacilitate transporting the cart 320 within the dry goods area 206 andfrom the dry goods area 206 to the delivery area 212. It should beunderstood that further embodiments of this cart could be used toretrieve any type of products.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the cart depicted in FIG. 14 isoutfitted with identification buttons 321 for each tote 322, each tote322 corresponding to a different order. Alternatively, any knownindicating mechanism can be used with the cart 320. The identificationbuttons 321 communicate with the computer system of the presentinvention through the computer 326 associated with the cart 320.

[0074] The cart 320 can be used in a method for retrieving the drygoods. FIG. 15 shows a method of retrieving dry goods 226 from the drygoods area 206 according to one embodiment of the present invention.First, an order label is placed on a tote (block 340) and six such totesare placed in the cart (block 342). Alternatively, any number of totes322 can be placed in the cart 320 depending on the number of orders tobe filled and the size of the cart 320. In a further alternative, amaster list is provided including all the ordered products for all theorders corresponding to the totes 322 in the cart 322. The cart 320 canbe transported around the dry goods area to the ordered products (block344). The ordered products are pulled and the UPC code on the product isscanned with the scanner (block 346). In one embodiment, scanning theUPC code causes the system of the present invention to identify theordered product and determine which tote 322 corresponds to theappropriate order. Upon identifying the appropriate tote 322, the systemcauses the identification button 321 on that tote to light up (block347), thus signaling that the ordered product is required for thatparticular tote 322. The ordered products are then placed in theappropriate tote corresponding to the appropriate order (block 348) andthe identification button 321 is pushed to indicate that the product hasbeen placed in that tote 322 and to turn off the light (block 349).Subsequently, the cart is transported to the delivery area (block 350).It should be understood that further embodiments of this method could beused to retrieve any type of products.

[0075] Bulk goods are larger or more voluminous versions of dry goods,and thus may require a different retrieval system. FIG. 16 depicts acart 360 for retrieving bulk goods according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The cart 360 has four cages 362 or compartments forholding retrieved products. Alternatively, the cart 360 has more thanfour cages 362. Like the dry goods cart 320, the bulk goods cart 360 hasfour wheels 364 in order to be moved easily around the bulk goods area208 and from the bulk goods area 208 to the delivery area 212. In afurther aspect of the invention, the bulk goods may be retrieved usingany transport device having one or more compartments for holding largeor voluminous products. It should be understood that further embodimentsof this cart could be used to retrieve any type of products.

[0076]FIG. 17 shows a method of retrieving bulk goods 228 according toone embodiment of the present invention. The efficiency and speed ofbulk good retrieval is enhanced by retrieving products based on thedelivery route the products are assigned to. First, a particulardelivery route is assigned to each of the four cages on the cart (block370). In one aspect of the invention, the system provides a list of theordered goods based on the assigned route (block 372). That is, there isa list of ordered goods provided for each delivery route. The cart istransported around the bulk goods area to the ordered products (block374) and the ordered products are pulled and scanned with a scanner(block 376) to indicate that the product has been retrieved. Afterscanning, the ordered product is placed in the appropriate cage (block378) related to the appropriate route and the cart is subsequentlytransported to the delivery area (block 380). It should be understoodthat further embodiments of this method could be used to retrieve anytype of products.

[0077] After retrieval and transport of the ordered products to thedelivery area, the products are delivered to the customer. FIG. 18 showsa method of delivering the ordered products or delivery system accordingto one embodiment of the present invention. After the ordered productsare transported to the delivery area 212 from each of the subgroup areasfrom which they were retrieved, they are placed into an order tote(block 390). That is, all ordered products from a particular order areplaced into one tote. Alternatively, the ordered products are placed inany known transport device for delivery of the products to the customer.Delivery pallets are provided at the delivery area (block 392) and eachpallet is assigned to a delivery route (block 394). Alternatively, anyapparatus appropriate for holding several packages to be loaded onto andoff of a delivery vehicle may be used. Each order tote is then placed onthe appropriate delivery pallet (block 396). That is, each order tote isplaced on a delivery pallet designated for the appropriate deliveryroute. After all the orders for a particular route are placed on adesignated pallet, the contents of each pallet are verified by scanningeach tote on the pallet (block 398) to ensure that all order totes areon the appropriate delivery pallets. After verification, each deliverypallet is loaded onto the delivery vehicle (block 400) and each ordertote is then delivered to the appropriate customer (block 402). As eachorder tote is delivered, the tote is scanned to verify that delivery hasoccurred (block 404). During the delivery, empty totes from previousdeliveries are collected from the customer (block 406) and ultimatelyreturned to the fulfillment hub (block 408). Alternatively, the ordertotes are not left with the customer, but rather are emptied duringdelivery and retained by the delivery person. Upon return of the emptytotes to the hub, some totes are washed (block 410) based on thecondition of each tote and the type of products that had been placed inthe tote. The washed totes are then placed in a cooler (block 412).Alternatively, totes are transported to the tote preparation area 214.

[0078] Although the present invention has been described with referenceto preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A method of fulfilling a network-based product order, the method comprising: providing product subgroups, each product subgroup having a distinct product subgroup area; separating the network-based product order into subgroup orders based on the product subgroups; and retrieving ordered products from each product subgroup area in an independent parallel fashion.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein retrieving products from each product subgroup area in an independent parallel fashion further comprises simultaneously retrieving products from each product subgroup area.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising transporting the ordered products to a delivery area.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein retrieving ordered products from each product subgroup area further comprises: transporting a carrier to the product subgroup area; placing the ordered products into the carrier; and providing notification that the ordered products are in the carrier.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein providing notification that the ordered products are in the carrier further comprises scanning a label associated with each of the ordered products.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein the placing the ordered products into the carrier further comprises placing each of the ordered products into a designated area of the carrier based on a delivery route designation.
 7. A method of retrieving ordered products for a network-based product order, the method comprising: providing an order label listing the ordered products; scanning the order label; providing a plurality of actuable indicators, each indicator being associated with a product; actuating the indicators associated with the ordered products based on the scanning of the order label; locating and retrieving each of the ordered products; placing the ordered products into a carrier; and transporting the carrier to a delivery area.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising actuating the indicator a second time to indicate that the ordered product has been retrieved.
 9. A method of retrieving ordered products for a network-based product order, the method comprising: providing a list of the ordered products; retrieving one of the ordered products; scanning an area of the one of the ordered products; providing a plurality of actuable indicators, each indicator being associated with a carrier for a single order; actuating the indicator associated with the carrier for the single order requiring the one of the ordered products; placing the one of the ordered products into the carrier for the single order requiring the one of the ordered products; and transporting the carrier to a delivery area.
 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising actuating the indicator a second time to indicate that the one of the ordered products has been placed into the carrier for the single order requiring the one of the ordered products.
 11. A method of fulfilling network-based product orders and delivering ordered products, the method comprising: creating an order summary based on all received orders; separating the order summary into subgroup orders based on product subgroups; retrieving products from each of the product subgroups in an independent parallel fashion; and combining the products into delivery packages based on the received orders; and delivering the delivery packages.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising establishing at least one delivery route schedule.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein establishing the at least one delivery route schedule is based on the order summary, the product subgroups, and a wave estimate.
 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising including in the order summary only received orders received prior to a predetermined deadline.
 15. The method of claim 11 further comprising identifying inventory needs based on the received orders and communicating the inventory needs to a vendor.
 16. A method of ordering and delivering a network-based product, the method comprising: providing a customer interface wherein a customer can place an order; allowing the customer to select at least one meal plan from a plurality of meal plans; designating for delivery each product required for the at least one meal plan selected by the customer; and adding each product required for the at least one meal plan to a delivery package; and delivering the delivery package.
 17. The method of claim-16 further comprising allowing the customer to select a desired product from a product category and to add the desired product to the delivery package.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein allowing the customer to select the desired product from the product category comprises: allowing the customer to select the product category; and allowing the customer to select the desired product from the product category.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising allowing the customer to select a desired predefined product from a predefined list of products and to add the desired predefined product to the delivery package.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein allowing the customer to select the desired predefined product from the predefined list of products comprises: allowing the customer to select the predefined list of products; and allowing the customer to select the desired predefined product from the predefined list of products.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the predefined list of products is previously created by the customer.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein the predefined list of products includes products previously ordered by the customer.
 23. The method of claim 16 further comprising requiring the customer to complete product selection prior to a predetermined deadline.
 24. The method of claim 16 further comprising requiring the customer to select a delivery time for delivery of the order package.
 25. A fulfillment hub for fulfilling a network-based product order, the fulfillment hub comprising: at least two subgroup areas, each subgroup area designated for a particular type of product; a delivery area positioned to facilitate transportation of products between the delivery area and the at least two subgroup areas.
 26. The fulfillment hub of claim 25 wherein one of the at least two subgroup areas comprises: at least two levels; at least two zones on each of the at least two levels; at least two bays within each of the at least two zones, the at least two bays being configured to contain products for retrieval; a conveyance system adjacent to the at least two zones, the conveyance system configured to convey products between the at least two levels and between the subgroup area and the delivery area.
 27. The fulfillment hub of claim 26 wherein the at least two bays have a plurality of actuable indicators, wherein each of the actuable indicators is associated with a product; the actuable indicators configured to indicate the location of ordered products.
 28. The fulfillment hub of claim 25 further comprising a moveable cart in one of the at least two subgroup areas, the cart having at least two totes, wherein each of the at least two totes has an actuable indicator configured to indicate that an ordered product should be placed in the one of the at least two totes associated with the indicator.
 29. A network-based grocery store process for receiving, filling, and delivering grocery items, the items located in a plurality of predefined gathering sites, the process comprising: grouping items in an order based on their respective gathering site; concurrently gathering items in an order at their respective gathering site; and reassembling the order at a distribution point.
 30. The process of claim 29 further comprising the additional steps of providing an internet-based website for receiving orders.
 31. The process of claim 29 further comprising the additional steps of determining a time to initiate gathering of items based on an order's requested delivery time.
 32. The process of claim 29 further comprising the additional step of optimizing a delivery route for the orders.
 33. A method of supplying grocery items over a computer network, the method comprising: providing a website in communication over the computer network with an order receiving interface; placing each order into at least one subgroup; gathering items in each subgroup in parallel; reassembling the items gathered for each subgroup of an order to form a complete order; and delivering the order.
 34. The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of creating a plurality of waves based on a delivery time of an order.
 35. The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of utilizing an order to generate a resupply schedule.
 36. A network-based system for receiving an order for grocery items from a customer, filling the order, and delivering the order to the customer, the system comprising: a server adapted to receive the order from the customer over the network; a warehouse for storing a plurality of grocery items, the warehouse including a plurality of locations corresponding to a plurality of types of grocery items; a server engine programmed to place each of a plurality of requested grocery items included in the order into a plurality of subgroups, based on the corresponding location of the grocery item in the warehouse; a gathering system adapted to fill the items for each of the subgroups of the order, in parallel; a reassembly system adapted to gather the filled items for each subgroup of an order to form a complete order; and a plurality of delivery vehicles for transporting the completed order to the customer. 